Bob J. Kain, AIA, ACHA, principal and healthcare market leader of HMC Architects, announced his retirement today. Kain has been with HMC since 1981 and will officially retire on March 1, 2013.

Since 1981, Kain has played an integral role in the firm’s leadership and managed all aspects of healthcare facility development for the firm. He most recently served as principal in charge for several large replacement facilities including the new Kaiser Permanente (KP) Fontana Replacement Hospital and the KP Downey Medical Center. Over the years he has worked side-by-side with multi-tiered healthcare systems to implement master plans, build new medical center campuses, complete seismic remodels, and improve the overall operational viability of aging facilities. He excelled in the planning, programming, design, and construction of complex projects—some of which took more than a decade to complete.

During Kain’s tenure, he led HMC through substantial growth and developed its outstanding reputation for innovation in healthcare planning, garnering recognition from the American Institute of Architects Academy of Architecture for Health, Modern Healthcare, and Healthcare Design magazine. From 1995 to 2000, he served as HMC’s President/CEO, and from 2000-2004 as its Chairman of the Board, directing the firm’s corporate governance and its strategic vision. Kain helped expand HMC from a single office to an international firm with ten offices. He was responsible for hiring and mentoring new leaders within the budding firm, many of which are still at HMC today.

“Bob has set a vision for the future that will allow our firm and its healthcare practice to thrive far beyond his tenure,” said Jerry Eich, AIA, ACHA, chairman of the board and healthcare practice leader of HMC. “Bob leaves a strong legacy as a compassionate communicator, a mentor, and a proponent for designing to preserve the dignity of patients and their caregivers—this was evident in everything he did. All of us wish Bob the very best as he begins his next chapter.”

Kain is retiring with 35 years of healthcare design experience. In addition to his role at HMC, Kain contributed to many industry organizations, including being a founding member of the American College of Healthcare Architects, chairman of The Healthcare Forum, board member of the California Hospital Building Safety Board, and board member of Cal Poly Pomona’s University Educational Trust. Kain has been an active participant in AIA Inland California (AIAIC) and the AIA California Council. He served as AIAIC President in 1999 and was the recipient of the 2009 AIAIC Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Having spent more than half my life as a member of the HMC family, it is with extreme pride that I am closing one chapter in my life and moving onto the next,” said Kain. “I have had the privilege of working with extraordinary design teams, world-class clients and medical staff, and community supporters on projects that are making a difference every day and saving lives. As I reflect on the past 32 years, I’ve been very impressed with how HMC has evolved into a multi-practice and multi-office force in a challenging marketplace. I am very proud to be part of the HMC legacy and I know I am leaving it in good hands.”

After his employment with HMC, Kain plans to continue his role with several civic organizations. He currently serves as trustee of the Riverside Art Museum, commissioner of the Riverside Planning Commission, chairman of the American Heart Association/IE Board of Directors, and a member of the Board of Governors of the CSU San Bernardino Philanthropic Foundation. In addition, Kain is an active member of the Riverside Region of the Porsche Club of America.

Bob Kain’s significant project experience:

– New Replacement Hospital, Fontana Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Fontana, CA
– Strategic and Master Facility Plan, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center and Miller Children’s Hospital, Long Beach, CA
– Replacement Facility, Downey Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Downey, CA
– New Facility, Baldwin Park Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Baldwin Park, CA
– New Medical Office Building, Moreno Valley Community Hospital, Kaiser Permanente, Moreno Valley, CA
– Los Angeles County East Valley Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
– Vaca Valley Hospital, Vacaville, CA
– Medical Planning, New Hospital and Research Center, KJ Somiya Hospital & Research Center, Bombay, India

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